FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Chuck Brown
301-206-8188

WSSC CONDUCTING COMPREHENSIVE SEARCH FOR LEAD ALLOY
USED IN EARLY 1940s WATER SERVICE LINES

WSSC estimates very limited number - only 3 found to date;
Water tests results: lead levels well below federal action level
Extensive review of over 80 years of records

LAUREL, MD (March 23, 2005) - Based on extensive research of 1940-vintage water service line records, the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) is conducting a comprehensive effort to locate, test and replace water service lines - pipes that carry water from the water main in the street to the home - made from a little-known lead alloy called Tube-Loy.

An in-depth literature review by WSSC identified that the alloy is 99.7 percent lead and was used for water service lines during World War II due to copper and steel shortages. After analysis of approximately 400,000 plumbing records, WSSC has identified approximately 2,900 service lines in Montgomery and Prince George's counties that potentially could have Tube-Loy.

WSSC crews have inspected approximately 400 of these 2,900 service lines and found only three that were Tube-Loy. Based on these findings, and feedback from maintenance technicians, WSSC estimates that perhaps 20-30 Tube-Loy pipes may exist.

Additional inspection efforts for the remaining 2,500 service lines are ongoing. WSSC crews are using conductivity instruments to quickly - and definitively - determine pipe material. The instruments enable WSSC crews to inspect approximately 80 service lines per day. Water service will not be impacted during the inspection process. All inspections will be complete by the end of June.

"It appears most of the Tube-Loy pipes installed in the 1940s have been replaced with copper over the years," said WSSC General Manager Andy Brunhart. "This analysis will enable us to quickly replace Tube-Loy service lines found in the WSSC system."
Water samples taken from homes with confirmed Tube-Loy service lines and tested at WSSC's laboratory indicate lead concentrations well below the 15 parts per billion Federal Action Level.

If Tube-Loy is found: customers will immediately be notified; in-home water samples will be collected and test results provided directly to homeowners; and replacement of the alloy service line in public right of way will be scheduled.